An inmate from Kern County working at a labor lock-up in the Southland is on the loose. Jessie Meza, 38, who was serving a 16-year sentence in Kern County on assault and gun charges, was discovered missing Tuesday morning when guards conducted a head count at Acton Conservation Camp in Los Angeles County. Acton is run by the state department of corrections and utilizes prisoners to respond to floods, fires, and other natural disasters.

Meza was last seen wearing grey shorts and thermals, white tennis shoes and a state-issued orange jacket. He is 5’5” tall and weighs 159 pounds. He has black hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information about Meza’s whereabouts is urged to contact their local law enforcement agency or call 9-1-1.